Fontan Procedure- Best Doctors, Hospitals & Cost of Treatment in India

Treatment overview

The Fontan procedure is the third and final stage of a planned surgical pathway for children born with single-ventricle heart conditions — hearts in which only one pumping chamber functions effectively. Rather than rebuilding the heart, the Fontan reroutes the large veins returning oxygen-poor blood from the lower body directly to the lung arteries, bypassing the heart entirely on the return side of the circulation. This allows the single ventricle to pump only oxygen-rich blood to the body, separating the two bloodstreams and significantly improving oxygen levels. The operation is typically performed between the ages of two and four years, after earlier-stage operations (the newborn procedure and the Glenn) have prepared the circulation. Most children experience a meaningful improvement in oxygen saturation and energy after recovery, and many go on to attend school and participate in everyday childhood activities with appropriate follow-up care.

Comprehensive Investigations

Estimated cost: ~$1,000 – $1,500

Typical tests for this treatment: 2D Echocardiography with Doppler, Cardiac MRI or CT angiography, Pre-Fontan cardiac catheterisation (pulmonary artery pressure measurement), CBC with differential, Liver function tests (LFT), Kidney function tests (KFT), Coagulation profile (PT/INR, aPTT), Pediatric anaesthesia fitness evaluation. Done in India before hospital admission. Cost varies with case complexity.

Treatment / Procedure estimate

Estimated cost in India: $10,000 – $12,500

Stay in India

Pre-procedure stay (outside hospital): ~1 days

Hospitalisation: ~12 days

Recovery period (outside hospital): ~14 days recommended

Total stay: approx 27 days

Usually Included in Hospital Package

• Hospital admission including PCICU and cardiac ward stay
• Surgeon, anaesthesiologist, and cardiac team fees
• Operation theatre and cardiopulmonary bypass charges
• Extracardiac conduit or lateral tunnel graft and surgical consumables
• Pre-procedure workup tests done during admission
• Post-operative medications and anticoagulation during hospital stay
• Chest drain management and wound care
• Follow-up consultations before discharge

Usually Not Included

• Travel and accommodation
• Visa processing and travel insurance
• Premium implant upgrades or specialised conduit materials
• Additional procedures if AV valve repair or fenestration closure is required at the same sitting
• Extended stay costs if prolonged pleural effusions or complications arise
• Long-term outpatient follow-up after discharge from India